12 Dead at Pakistan Lawyers' Rally

A suicide bomb blast today at a Pakistan rally for lawyers supporting the country’s embattled chief justice has killed at least 12 people.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry was not injured; the bomb went off near the podium where he was to speak in Islamabad, the country’s capital, but while he was still several miles away from the site. Officials are still investigating but at least 12 were killed and 40 were injured, reports the Associated Press.

Chaudhry, who was suspended in March by Pakistan’s president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, for alleged misconduct, has since been a catalyst for public protest of the country’s military-dominated rule. As discussed by ABAJournal.com on May 14 and in previous posts, thousands have rallied in support of Chaudhry and judicial independence following his refusal to step down voluntarily as Pakistan’s top judge.

The Pakistan Supreme Court has been reviewing Chaudhry’s suspension and is expected to rule as early as Friday.